Naomi Taylor, from Topsham has been commended for her hard work and determination at this year's national BTEC awards. The BTEC Awards are an annual event that recognises and rewards students, teachers, schools and colleges for their exceptional achievements in vocational learning.

The young student was nominated for the BTEC Child and Social Care Student of the Year award by her tutor, Grace. Grace decided to enter the award based on Naomi's achievements over the year and describes her as a student who never falters when faced with a challenge.

Grace said;

Since embarking on a Level 1 Childcare course Naomi has shown her resilience, determination and commitment by working extra hard to achieve the best she can in all she does. She is the first to offer support to peers and her focus is contagious. Her confidence has blossomed during her four years here.”

Naomi began her journey at the college studying Level 1 Caring for Children along with GCSE English and Maths. Her drive and passion to learn saw her quickly progress to a Level 2 Childcare, Learning and Development BTEC, a course she took on with gusto, despite suffering with dyslexia. She continued to thrive and tackled each day with a positive attitude.

Her passion to work with children is undeniable, however she faced another challenge when she wanted to progress to a Level Three Childcare course but didn't quite have the grades. Once again though she didn’t let that stop her and sought advice from her tutors and enrolled on a Level Three Health and Social Care course, a course she is proudly about to complete.

Naomi said;

I felt for me a Level 3 in Health and Social Care would be a massive achievement which I didn’t feel I was capable of and all the support from Exeter College it was made possible for me. I agree it hasn’t been easy, it’s been far from it but I got through it and that’s because of all the support I have had throughout my time at college.

Exeter College has given me so many opportunities and experiences and has opened so many doors for me and not just that it has made me who I am today, right from the word go I have been a new person and for me I feel that this new me is the real happy me, coming from school and having a real hard time with bullies and the other challenges I was facing I was adamant I was going to make my college life my new life with a fresh start and new beginning and that’s what it was. I had and made so many new friends, I was completely focused on being successful and I got made to feel worthy and realised I can do what I want to do if I try hard enough.”

Assistant Principal, Sam Hillman, said,

BTEC is an outstanding vocational programme which prepares learners incredibly well for either Higher Education or direct to their chosen field of employment. Naomi has excelled within what are demanding programmes of study and has achieved so much. She has had her challenges to overcome and has done so brilliantly and we are all very proud of her. On behalf of us all at Exeter College, I would like to wish her the best of luck in the future.”

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